Format:
Online-Ressource
ISSN:
1522-2624
Content:
Abstract: An in situ determination of biological soil‐crust stability was carried out in two study sites along a sharp rainfall gradient. Penetration resistance (PR) of the crusts was measured using a newly developed light‐weight needle‐type electronic micropenetrometer. The depth‐related PR data revealed two sections possessing different structures and stability. The topcrust (0–2 mm) had significantly higher amounts of N, organic C, carbonates, and salts as compared to the underlain subcrust. The mean PR of the topcrust was 0.68 MPa for the southern study site, Nizzana‐South (≈ 100 mm annual rainfall), and it increased significantly for the northern study site, Nizzana‐69 (≈ 170 mm annual rainfall), with a mean of 1.11 MPa. A subcrust (2–30 mm) was identified that was characterized by a high amount of carbonates and a PR 〉 2 MPa. The electronic micropenetrometer system is a promising device for identifying areas of changing crust stability in relation to biological soil‐crust properties. The overall stability of biological soil crusts depends on the topcrust and subcrust structure. This structure is linked to abiotic and biotic factors and likely in relation to the amount of annual precipitation.
In:
volume:176
In:
number:6
In:
year:2013
In:
pages:904-909
In:
extent:6
In:
Journal of plant nutrition and soil science, Weinheim : Wiley-VCH, 1922-, 176, Heft 6 (2013), 904-909 (gesamt 6), 1522-2624
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1002/jpln.201200291
URN:
urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023020507153528463716
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.201200291
URL:
https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023020507153528463716
URL:
https://d-nb.info/1280106948/34
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.201200291
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